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If you think any employee is experiencing teasing in your small business environment, you may want to stem the tide of seemingly innocuous jabs before they grow into great waves of bullying and possible discrimination. Organizations like the Workplace Bullying Institute places responsibility for curbing inappropriate behavior on the employer. Use communication and swift responses to send clear messages about what is and what is not appropriate in your company.

1

Write company policy. Describe appropriate workplace behavior, which might include no gossiping, respectful language and actions, and zero-tolerance for discriminatory speech and actions. Clarify consequences, like write-ups and warnings, for employee infractions. Require employees to read and sign the policy.

2

Establish an open-door policy. Encourage employees to discuss issues, including teasing, with you. Commit to anonymity and non-retaliation.

3

Confront an employee who is teasing others. Meet in the privacy of your office. Inform the offender that you are committed to your employees' welfare, advises the Personnel Today website. Ask the employee to stop making inappropriate teasing remarks. Make it clear that you will take disciplinary measures of the behavior continues.

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4

Educate your staff about company policy and about discrimination laws. Hold a mandatory workshop dealing with teasing, bullying and discrimination in the workplace. Ask your human resources representative to lead the seminar.